New (to me) Boss ME-50B

Llaslo · #1 02-04-2013, 08:03 AM

So, I was at guitar center this weekend, and someone had just traded in an ME-50B. It had the AC power supply, manual, etc. I played on it for about an hour in the store to test all of the various functions. It looks and sounds fantastic. I did a factory reset on it, and everything works perfectly. I picked it up for $179.00, and it doesn't have a scratch on it. Very excited. I plan to get a Boss dual foot switch so I can change banks and / or use it to turn compression on / off.

SolarMan · #2 02-04-2013, 08:12 AM

Yeah, you can get some pretty cool sounds out of that thing. I have the smaller brother, ME-20B.

You won't find a lot of love here for these all digital pedals, but when used properly they do have their place.

pbass6811 · #3 02-04-2013, 10:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SolarMan

Yeah, you can get some pretty cool sounds out of that thing. I have the smaller brother, ME-20B.

You won't find a lot of love here for these all digital pedals, but when used properly they do have their place.

Agreed. I've had an ME-50B for a few years. Just wanted something to mess around with and it served that purpose. I actually used it to gig with for a few weeks because I needed a compressor before I bought my MXR. It sounded very mediocre, but it got the job done AND I didn't hafta carry my tuner pedal. Now that I have a good compressor, I'll probably sell the ME-50B ASAP! Play around with it, you'll find some cool stuff in there.

**rtav** · #4 02-04-2013, 11:03 AM

I picked up one locally for about $150, added a power supply for $22, and use it every rehearsal. I've programmed mine with three patches, one for regular use, one that is overdriven, and the other that is an octave up. I keep my tone pretty consistent so the "always on" tone controls aren't a problem. The compression is decent but I find the tuner to be a bit lacking, so I use a Korg Pitchblack to tune. I want to add a remote pedal for it (looking at buying a Boss FS-6).

Most of the ME-50B's features I wouldn't use (the synthesizer effects are useless to me [I can't imagine ever using any bass synth by any manufacturer, just my personal pref], wah, delays, loop, expression pedal, etc.), I'm not an effects head and generally keep things pretty straightforward, I just like adding some chorus and a little enhancer, and an nice overdrive - the ME-50B handles all of that easily.

While I'd like to get more use out of it (create some more patches to cover more stuff), I've found it more than meets my needs. It's rock solid, easy enough to use, and despite the detractors, a fine multi-effects unit.

Enjoy!

icecycle66 · #5 02-04-2013, 12:20 PM

I like playing with modulation settings using the expression pedal.

Llaslo · #6 02-12-2013, 09:41 AM

So far I'm really enjoying it, I think the compressor helps a lot. It may not be as good as a dedicated compressor, but it's made a big difference for me. This should hold me over until I have a better idea of what I'd like out of a custom pedal board with individual effects (which was my goal in getting it). I do want to buy that add on dual pedal so that I can change banks or turn compressor on / off.